I'm experimenting with installing Windows to VHDs. I can install a secondary copy of Windows 11 to a VHD so that I have a dual boot and I can natively boot that VHD no problem. I even have this working unattended with all drivers getting automatically installed etc.
However, I'm having a bit of a problem doing this for my primary Windows installation. I can install it to a FIXED size VHD no problem, but if I create the VHD as a type "expandable" it doesn't work.
As an example, I create the VHDX as an expandable VHD and tell it that the max allowable size is 500GB. I start Windows setup. It copies all the files to the VHD and performs the first reboot. After reboot, when setup resumes, it will fail every time saying that there is not enough space. If I make the VHD a fixed size, it works fine.
All my research indicates that this should work fine, but it just doesn't. Anyone have any experience with this?
NOTE: There are two ways (at least) to deploy Windows to a VHD. You can use DISM or you can run Windows Setup. Note that I have to use the setup method because I am also running an unattended answer file, so DISM is not an option for me.
However, I'm having a bit of a problem doing this for my primary Windows installation. I can install it to a FIXED size VHD no problem, but if I create the VHD as a type "expandable" it doesn't work.
As an example, I create the VHDX as an expandable VHD and tell it that the max allowable size is 500GB. I start Windows setup. It copies all the files to the VHD and performs the first reboot. After reboot, when setup resumes, it will fail every time saying that there is not enough space. If I make the VHD a fixed size, it works fine.
All my research indicates that this should work fine, but it just doesn't. Anyone have any experience with this?
NOTE: There are two ways (at least) to deploy Windows to a VHD. You can use DISM or you can run Windows Setup. Note that I have to use the setup method because I am also running an unattended answer file, so DISM is not an option for me.
My Computers
-
At a glance
Win11 Pro 25H2 (RTM+)Intel i7-14650HX32 GBNo GPU - Built-in Intel Graphics- OS
- Win11 Pro 25H2 (RTM+)
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Acemagic
- CPU
- Intel i7-14650HX
- Memory
- 32 GB
- Graphics Card(s)
- No GPU - Built-in Intel Graphics
- Sound Card
- Integrated
- Monitor(s) Displays
- Varies as machine will often be moved to locations with different monitors
- Screen Resolution
- Varies
- Hard Drives
- 1 x 1TB Gen 4 NVMe SSD
- PSU
- 120W Power Brick
- Keyboard
- Corsair K70 Max RGB Magnetic Keyboard
- Mouse
- Logitech MX Master 3
- Internet Speed
- 1Gb Up / 1 Gb Down
- Browser
- Edge
- Antivirus
- Windows Defender
-
At a glance
Win11 Pro 25H2 (RTM+)Intel i7-1255U16 GBIntel Iris Xe Graphics- Operating System
- Win11 Pro 25H2 (RTM+)
- Computer type
- Laptop
- Manufacturer/Model
- Lenovo ThinkBook 13x Gen 2
- CPU
- Intel i7-1255U
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Graphics card(s)
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- Sound Card
- Realtek® ALC3306-CG codec
- Monitor(s) Displays
- 13.3-inch IPS Display
- Screen Resolution
- WQXGA (2560 x 1600)
- Hard Drives
- 2 TB 4 x 4 NVMe SSD
- PSU
- USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 Power / Charging
- Keyboard
- Backlit, spill resistant keyboard
- Mouse
- Buttonless Glass Precision Touchpad
- Internet Speed
- 1Gb Up / 1Gb Down
- Browser
- Edge
- Antivirus
- Windows Defender
- Other Info
- WiFi 6e / Bluetooth 5.1 / Facial Recognition / Fingerprint Sensor / ToF (Time of Flight) Human Presence Sensor
